‘I’ve really got to go. But—but I’ll see what I can do.’
He stands then, giving me the chance to do the same, wrapped in the sheet, which seems kind of silly, especially as I catch him smirk.
‘What?’ I turn my back to him, opening one of the drawers I’d put my clothes into earlier in the week.
‘You live here, then?’
I chance a guarded glance over my shoulder. ‘No, of course not. It’s just...’I like my space. I like spending time without people asking me how I feel, like I’m constantly three seconds away from flipping out.‘I lost track of time and missed the tide a couple times. I didn’t much want to cycle across to the village at one in the morning in the dark. So I just...’ I turn my gaze back to the drawer, slipping out underwear and a pair of jeans.
‘Prepared for all eventualities?’
‘Hardly. It’s just some spare jeans.’ I hold up the pair of black, shiny jeans recently pulled from the drawer.
‘A kitted out bathroom and a really comfy bed.’ Behind me, I hear the springs squeal in protest at Rory’s thrown weight. ‘Reallycomfy.’
‘Have at it,’ I say, trying not to look at the big bronzed effigy of Michelangelo’sDavid spread enticingly against the pillows, hands folded beneath his head. ‘I—I need to shower,’ I mumble, leaving the room as his voice follows me.
‘If you want me to wash your back, gimme a yell.’
Iemergefrom the shower all pink, and not just from the cold water, and I don’t know whether I’m relieved or disconcerted to find him still in the room.
‘I thought you had work to begin. Oh—didn’t you want me to show you around?’
‘Nah. I’ll be fine. I’ll get there. Eventually.’
I slip on my rain boots, well, Ivy’s rain boots, or wellies, as she calls them, still conscious of his eyes. Are they...
‘Are you seriously looking down my shirt right now?’
‘Yep,’ he answers, completely unabashed. ‘And at your nipples yesterday as you stood out in the cold. Your legs and that lovely arse. I can go on if you like?’
As I straighten, I know I should have some kind of retort. Instead, I find I can’t make my mouth work.
‘Too honest?’ he asks, all faux innocence.
‘A little.’
‘There’s no such thing. I like what I see, so I like to look. Especially as I know what’s taunting me under those clothes.’
I look down at myself, knowing I really oughtn’t to ask, though find myself doing so. ‘Looking at what?’
‘One smokin’ hot body. Curves in all the right place. Thighs like pale silk.’
‘I—I have to go.’
His laughter follows me to the doorway of the cottage where I find myself turning as the handle moves out of my hand.
‘I should’ve locked it. Tied you to the bed so I could have my wicked way with you all weekend.’ He laughs at my expression, his eyes darkening as I speak.
‘Sounds like you’ve given it some thought.’
‘Oh, I have. Plenty.’
And just what am I supposed to do with that?
Rory bumps his hip against mine and I jump a little, startled. ‘The offer stands.’
‘I—I really,’ I say, rapidly shaking my head. ‘Really, really have to go.’
